Several thousand immigrants and their supporters took to the streets in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 25 to demand
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The march was initiated by the “We are All Elvira Arellano and Saulito Coalition.” It was a united march and rally with all major immigrant rights forces present.
The April 7 Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition had by far the largest and most vibrant contingent with sound, signs and banners. The April 7 Coalition includes Latino Movement USA, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) and member group Party for Socialism and Liberation, and others.
The April 7 Coalition’s contingent provided key leadership to the march by clearly articulating the demands of amnesty and an end to the racist raids. Chants rang out as thousands of people marched towards the federal building where a rally took place: “¿Qué queremos? ¡Amnistía! ¿Cuando? ¡Ahora!” and “¡El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!”
Numerous organizations and activists took part in the rally. Organizers Juan Jose Gutierrez of Latino Movement USA and Raul Murillo of Hermandad Mexicana Nacional gave powerful speeches on the importance of unity and continuing the struggle for immigrant rights. Representatives of CHIRLA, CARECEN, the March 25 Coalition and others also spoke.
Hundreds of copies of the PSL’s newspaper, “Liberation,” and thousands of leaflets promoting the upcoming October 27 action to “End the War Now” were distributed to the crowd.
Immigrant rights actions will take place on Sept. 12 and a major march will happen in L.A. on Oct. 12.
Click here to read about the deportation of Elvira Arellano.
